I have seen three during my last two tours. One was staring at me from 20' away after raiding the dumpsters at a private campground on the edge of the Allegheny National Forest. I think he was at last 500 lbs. There was a pile of scat about 50' from my tent. The following day I saw one swim across Pine Creek while riding the Pine Creek Trail. Last month, in New Jersey, a very young cub walked across a campground road in front of me as I was riding back from the shower room. I didn't see mom, which made me nervous.

All in all, I have seen 6 bears during bike tours ad one during a day ride.

Ravaged dumpster shortly after the bear walked off into the woods. Notice the mural on the left dumpster. Owners don't give a rat's ass about the animals.




After swimming across Pine Creek:



Day ride in New Jersey. He was along side the road when we first came upon him.